If you were to redo the scuba industry how would you do it?

[Lorenzoid]

My issue with that is that it doesn't not reflect the reality of how many people dive. You've probably seen this scenario in Caribbean dive boat trips - the group plunges in, some people follow the group but aren't diving in close tandem with a single individual, and yet they're not carrying a redundant gas supply, etc...

I believe "the reality of how many people dive" is a result of the present system.

I suspect there are 2 'chicken-and-egg' competing visions for what models ought to be taught in courses. One is what you describe - a theoretical ideal of how some think dives ought to be conducted (e.g.: strict buddy or solo, no in-between), the other what I've got in mind...looking at what mainstream divers commonly do, and crafting a model around that - 'normalizing the normal.'

Bingo. Normalizing sounds pragmatic. Me, I'm for radical change ... so long as we're discussing pie-in-the-sky ideas here, of course.

 

[Dan G]

And what bureaucracy/agency did those victims have to engage before buying a lift ticket, rope etc. do ski resorts ask for certification?

Well, that's part of the point. It's a tradeoff. Would there be an increased injury rate if SCUBA went the way of skiing? Would the SCUBA community be willing to accept an increased injury rate? How would an increased injury rate impact the industry? It's an accepted part of ski/ride culture that people get hurt daily.

In Colorado, the Skiers Responsibility Code is codified into state law. Ski patrol has authority to pull anyone's lift ticket for breaking the code. For example, if an area of a resort is closed and a skier ducks the rope to ski it anyway, they are breaking the law. Skiers are legally responsible for being competent. Would Florida be willing to have an authority decide which dive sites are open and closed each day and make it illegal to dive closed sites?

I am not exactly sure where I stand in all of this, but I do know that it might be for good reason that skiing and diving are regulated differently and that was the point of my post that you replied to.

 

[lexvil]

Well, that's part of the point. It's a tradeoff. Would there be an increased injury rate if SCUBA went the way of skiing? Would the SCUBA community be willing to accept an increased injury rate? How would an increased injury rate impact the industry? It's an accepted part of ski/ride culture that people get hurt daily.

In Colorado, the Skiers Responsibility Code is codified into state law. Ski patrol has authority to pull anyone's lift ticket for breaking the code. For example, if an area of a resort is closed and a skier ducks the rope to ski it anyway, they are breaking the law. Skiers are legally responsible for being competent. Would Florida be willing to have an authority decide which dive sites are open and closed each day and make it illegal to dive closed sites?

I am not exactly sure where I stand in all of this, but I do know that it might be for good reason that skiing and diving are regulated differently and that was the point of my post that you replied to.

Most people would still seek training for scuba, I think, since it’s a totally unnatural act but I think the “agencies” make to much of it.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

And what bureaucracy/agency did those victims have to engage before buying a lift ticket, rope etc. do ski resorts ask for certification?

Unlike divers, skiers/snowboarders who go to places where they shouldn't go can always get help from the ski patrol.

I will tell you, it was not fun taking down a 5'7" 280 lb ironworker in a Cascade sled from the top of the mountain to the bottom in a heavy snow day.

 

[lexvil]

Unlike divers, skiers/snowboarders who go to places where they shouldn't go can always get help from the ski patrol.

I will tell you, it was not fun taking down a 5'7" 280 lb ironworker in a Cascade sled from the top of the mountain to the bottom in a heavy snow day.

A diver need only need to reach the surface, help abounds.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

A diver need only need to reach the surface, help abounds.

Not the same thing. Once you reach the surface, you are fine. The trick is reaching the surface.

 

[lexvil]

Not the same thing. Once you reach the surface, you are fine. The trick is reaching the surface.

Does a bag full of certifications assist with that?

 

[Lorenzoid]

Most people would still seek training for scuba, I think, since it’s a totally unnatural act but I think the “agencies” make to much of it.

You have more faith in people than I do. I predict many would believe they can learn all they need to know about scuba on the Internet. Watch a few Youtubes and you're off.

Also, if training were not required to rent gear/tanks or be taken on a dive boat, would that mean doing away with standards? Could anyone then call themselves a scuba instructor? How would a diver know how to choose an instructor? Sounds like a mess to me.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

Does a bag full of certifications assist with that?

If the certifications actually have meaning, then yes.

 

[SlugLife]

Bingo. Normalizing sounds pragmatic. Me, I'm for radical change ... so long as we're discussing pie-in-the-sky ideas here, of course.

That's how I understood this thread, although it seems I can't get 2 words in without someone wanting to debate me.

"If you could have any car, what would it be"
"A Lamborghini Reventon would be fun!"
"Oh, but what about insurance, where would you drive it, it doesn't have a trunk, then you need a garage, and maintenance costs would bankrupt you!"
"..."